Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at Midlands Technical College

A debt load of $14,699 against first-year earnings around $37,000 creates a manageable starting point for tech careers, though both figures come from peer programs nationally rather than Midlands Tech's actual graduate outcomes. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40 sits in reasonable territory—you're looking at roughly five months of gross salary, which many financial planners consider workable for a credential that gets someone into the workforce quickly.

The challenge is that networking certificates occupy an uncertain space in today's tech landscape. Similar programs across the country produce the $37,000 figure, but that represents a modest entry point in a field where self-taught candidates and boot camp graduates often compete for the same positions. With only two schools in South Carolina offering this certificate and no reported outcomes data from either, it's difficult to assess whether regional employers value this credential specifically or whether they're simply hiring for baseline technical skills.

For a family weighing this investment, the key question is whether a short-term certificate provides enough differentiation to justify $14,699 in debt when other pathways to networking roles exist. The estimated figures suggest a viable but not exceptional return. Before committing, your child should talk to local IT employers about what credentials actually open doors in the Columbia area, since regional hiring patterns matter more than national averages for a geographically-focused certificate program.